Ah, jury duty. I see it as my responsibility, as a person who has greatly benefited from the rights I enjoy as an American citizen–but that doesn’t mean I have to be thrilled by the prospect. There is, as some of you mentioned, a great deal of waiting involved–one sits around a great deal, waits to be assigned a number, troops in and out of courtrooms and jury rooms, listens to instructions, and waits some more. Since I had my Kindle with me, I was pretty okay with the process. I read a book about a man who went to heaven and came back, checked my email and periodically reminded myself that I am blessed to live in this country.

Probably the biggest challenge with jury duty is the being-on-call part of it. I wasn’t called in today, but who knows about tomorrow? Every night, for two weeks, I am to call the courthouse and listen to the recording. If my Group number is listed, I will go in the next day. I’m planning to ask to be excused as of the 17th, since I’m scheduled to leave for Gettysburg the following day. We shall see.

I’ve found a new book to love: “Gratitude & Trust–Six Affirmations That Will Change Your Life”, by Paul Williams (the very famous songwriter, think “Rainbow Connection” and “Evergreen”) and Tracey Jackson. I’m so impressed with the audiobook that I’ve ordered copies in hardcover as well. I’ve also downloaded several new books from audible.com–several novels by Marilynne Robinson–“Gilead”, “Home”, and “Housekeeping”. I’ve heard great things about this writer and I’m looking forward to the listens. (Not suitable for jury duty, of course–even when evidence isn’t being presented, one has to be ready to LISTEN at all times.) I chose a number of self-help titles, too. (Sometimes people are curious about my passion for self-help books. Do I feel inferior? The answer: No–BUT there is always more things to learn, and some of them have the power to change a person’s entire life. Why wouldn’t I want to learn new and better ways to do things???)

Which brings me to my gratitude journal. I’ve been keeping it faithfully, night and morning, for a little over a month now. Is the process powerful? Incredibly so. Oprah claims the process is the single best thing she does for herself–and I agree. We, Oprah and I, can rant on about the magic of gratitude until the proverbial cows come home–but you won’t know for sure until you try it yourself.

PS…From Jenni– Linda forgot to announce that this week’s contest begins today Leave a comment below and you’ll be entered to win an autographed copy of The Marriage Charm. Two winners will be randomly chosen and notified next week

Hey Linda well I o be called hope that you don’t have to keep having to call for jury duty,I think it take a certain kind of person to be on a jury, I am not it, I couldn’t stand to have the faith of someone riding on me, I believe there is 1 and only 1 judge and that is God !!!!! so I don’t feel like I could be honest and judge someone else… so good luck with that and be safe in your travels, sending love hugs and thoughts and prayers xoxoxxo

I am one of those strange people who actually enjoyed being called for jury duty. I find the internal workings of the justice process interesting and I try to think how I would have handled it differently had I been one of the attorneys. There’s as much to be learned by what they don’t pursue when questioning as what they do pursue. I was on jury duty where I had to be available for three months. Have not been called since.Enjoy – it is one of the things we do as citizens.

I have never been called for Jury duty. I guess it’s a good thing, as I feel sorry for everyone. Unless it was so cut and dried that their really is no way to make a mistake, I’d be the one who caused the jury to be dead-locked.

I was at the drive through at a bank the other day, and in the window was this quote…TODAY, I PROPOSE TO PUT MY THOUGHTS UNDER THE AUTHORITY OF JESUS CHRIST…What a great way to start the day! I asked the lady to write it down for me and she did. She also had a beautiful handwriting.

I was called for duty about 7 years ago and was lucky to get a very interesting and complicated case. I worked with a good group of people on the case for 2 weeks and I believe we made a very just verdict. I would do it again if called. I too felt it was my duty as a citizen of this great country.

I have been called for jury duty a couple of times and I have to say I don’t like it much myself. It takes up to much time and it is the waiting that gets to you. Never thought to take a kindle with me, so that is a good tip. I also took a self-help class through my husbands work one time, I didn’t enjoy that at all either. I didn’t feel like I learned anything.

I have been on jury duty many times. I have served on criminal cases, civil cases and federal cases. It is a lot of waiting. I always have a book with me. I remember the first time I served the judge explain this was not like Perry Mason.

I’ve been called to jury duty a few times years ago. The waiting was the worse. That was before the e-readers. I think the self help books are great. We can never stop learning. I love them also. Well , I hope they excuse you when you request it Linda. Have a great week everyone.
Carol L

I was only called into Jury duty once while I was still working – made it into the courtroom, but not into the chair to be asked questions. I’ve gotten notices twice for federal jury, but fortunately didn’t have to go – it would be over a 2 hour drive, and I imagine those cases are pretty intense. I wouldn’t mind getting called for county jury now.

Hi Linda, I think that having a gratitude journal is a wonderful thing to have and I think I’m going to take the time to start one. I hope you have an awesome week full of joy and happiness. Thanks for a great blog.

I have been on Jury duty several times, one time it was Federal court, that one I didn’t enjoy at all, It was a little scary.. Enjoyed the blog, still don’t know how you do all that you do. You are one of a kind..

The Marriage Charm – what a wonderful story. Love your series that give me an escape from my reality. Keep up the great work. You have such a knack for making people seem so realistic in your writing. I appreciate that.

And jury duty – had that dubious honor many many times. Good luck with that. Plus if you contact the clerk of court and explain your upcoming trip to Gettysburg, I’m sure they would excuse you.